A Young Choral Conductors Scholarship
The Iwan Edwards Young Choral Conductors Scholarship has been established with a sincere commitment to supporting and fostering exceptional talent in the field of choral conducting. This scholarship is intended to be more than simply a financial assistance program; it stands as a recognition of bright new talent and of the lasting impact of Iwan Edwards, a respected figure in the world of choral music.
This year, we are thrilled to launch the inaugural edition of the scholarship, which will provide the selected recipient with financial assistance of $5000.
Registration deadlines:
Registration is closed for the 2024 edition.
Fill out your application for Iwan Edwards Scholarship:
| APPLICATION FORM * | ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA | BUDGET TEMPLATE | SAMPLE BUDGET |
* IMPORTANT: Before filling in the registration form, make sure you have all the necessary documents and information, as you cannot save the form and return to it later.
2024 Recipient : Thomas Burton
Thomas Burton is a dynamic young leader in Canada’s choral scene. He is a member of the choral faculty at the University of Toronto and serves as Artistic Director of the Orpheus Choir of Toronto as well as RESOUND Choir – Durham Region. Raised in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, he is co-conductor of the awardwinning, Halifax based, Eastern Horizon Chamber Choir. Thomas is an accomplished choral singer and has performed with such ensembles as Voces Boreales, the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, and the Toronto Mendelssohn Singers. He holds degrees in Trombone Performance and Choral Conducting from McGill University and the University of Michigan.
About Iwan Edwards
Iwan Edwards, a distinguished conductor and educator, made a significant impact on the Canadian music scene throughout his illustrious career. After relocating to Canada in 1965, Edwards dedicated himself to teaching, leaving his mark at Lachine High School (1965-79) and the Fine Arts Core Education (FACE) School in Montreal (1979-90). His reputation for nurturing young voices earned him the position of associate professor at McGill University in 1991, where he remained until his retirement in 2001.
Edwards is best known for his directorial roles with the St. Lawrence Choir (1972-2007) and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra Chorus (1986-2007). His collaboration with conductor Charles Dutoit was notable, and Edwards occasionally took the conductor’s podium himself. Under his leadership, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra Chorus received Juno Awards for their recordings of Berlioz’s Les Troyens (1995) and La Damnation de Faust (1997). Edwards was honored with the Order of Canada in 1995 and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.
Post-retirement, Edwards continued to shape the future of Canadian choral conducting by mentoring aspiring talents. His legacy resonates through the accolades, recordings, and the impact he had on young musicians, solidifying his place as a revered figure in Canada’s musical heritage.
Photo: Mcgill.ca
Make a donation toward the Young Choral Conductors Scholarship:
For donations by check, please make your check payable to :
Iwan-Edwards Fund
Fondation Jeunesses Musicales Canada
305, avenue du Mont-Royal Est
